Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling As a Treatment For Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome - A Case Series of Twenty Patients.

CONTEXT: Existing interventions for postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) address the neural component while overlooking a possible myofascial component. AIM: The aim of the study is to investigate the myofascial contribution to PMPS, by examining the effectiveness of myofascial trigger point release by ultrasound-guided dry needling (USGDN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective review assessed the efficacy of USGDN in addressing myofascial pain in twenty consecutive patients with treatment-refractory PMPS. Patients in Group 1 (n = 16) received USGDN after neural interventions (NIs) such as neuraxial blocks, intrathecal pump implant, or pulsed radiofrequency, while those in Group 2 (n = 4) received USGDN alone. Outcome measures were changes in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), PainDETECT (PD), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, and opioid use. RESULTS: In Group 1, the mean (standard deviation) NRS and PD scores (9.6 [0.9] and 28.3 [4.3], respectively, at baseline) reduced to 5.2 (1.1) and 16.1 (3.7) at 1-week post-NI. The post-NI DASH reduction was below the cutoff for clinical relevance (80.9 [10.5] at baseline vs. 71.1 [10.5] post-NI). The opioid dose remained unchanged. Following USGDN, NRS, PD, and DASH scores further reduced to 2.3 (0.8), 6.6 (1.2), and 34.6 (14.4), respectively. Patients receiving USGDN alone also showed reduction in NRS, PD, and DASH (7.8 [1.7], 20.0 [8.0], and 61.0 [14.4] at baseline vs. 1.3 [0.5], 6.0 [1.6], and 22.5 [10.4] post-USGDN, respectively). In all patients, opioid use and PHQ-9 scores reduced only post-USGDN. CONCLUSIONS: USGDN reduced pain, disability, and opioid use, whereas NI reduced only pain. This suggests a myofascial contribution to pain and disability in PMPS.

Ultrasound-Guided Intra-articular Injection of the Radio-ulnar and Radio-humeral Joints and Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling of the Affected Limb Muscles to Relieve Fixed Pronation Deformity and Myofascial Issues around the Shoulder, in a Case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) occurs due to different pathophysiological mechanisms. Presently there is no description of definitive treatment that can resolve the especially recalcitrant motor issues of disability in CRPS type 1 (CRPS-1). CASE REPORT: We have herein described the successful management of motor disability with a multimodal approach in a patient with CRPS-1 that occurred as a result of a fracture sustained in the lower end of the radius. Sensory/sudomotor/vasomotor symptoms were relieved completely by medications and stellate ganglion block in 2 weeks. Ultrasound-guided dry needling secured near-complete improvement of shoulder and hand movements in 45 days. Ultrasound guided intra-articular (radio-ulnar and radio-humeral joint) injections with steroid reduced residual pain and improved forearm movements by 50% initially. The patient continued to receive regular sessions of dry needling, physiotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. By the end of 1 year, the functions of the limb improved remarkably, as did the functional outcome scores. CONCLUSION: In this patient with CRPS-1, intra-articular injections with steroid reduced nociception in the affected local structures and sensitization in the nervous system; dry needling resolved the myofascial issues; sustained physiotherapy maintained the motor recovery; and behavioral therapy techniques addressed the cognitive and life stress issues. It was concluded that the presenting symptoms in this case were a consequence of interactions between humoral, nervous, and myofascial systems.

A New Perspective of Neuromyopathy to Explain Intractable Pancreatic Cancer Pains; Dry Needling as an Effective Adjunct to Neurolytic Blocks.

UNLABELLED: We present a new perspective of neuromyopathy in pancreatic cancer pain (PCP) referral to bodywall; proposal of new rationale to include ultrasound guided dry needling (USGDN) of body wall muscles as an effective adjunct to neurolytic coeliac plexus block (NCPB) or splanchnic nerve radiofrequency ablation (SRF) for comprehensive interventional management. METHODS: PCP response to SRF in 2 patients and NCPB in 3 patients was documented on numerical rating scale (NRS) on post procedure days 3 and 15. If the residual pain was >5 NRS on day 15, USGDN of abdominal and back muscles was started on a thrice weekly basis. The response to USGDN documented on day 30 after approximately 6 sessions of DN, showed a significant pain reduction (0-2 NRS) with 50% reduction of pre-treatment opioid consumption. This was sustained at 6 months or till their demise. Convergence of visceral and somatic nerves at the dorsal horn (viscerosomatic neurons) causes referral of visceral pain to the back and abdominal muscles. This leads to formation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the muscles which sets up a parallel network of sensitized peripheral and central motor nociceptive processing (neuromyopathy). USGDN specifically addressed the MTrPs that develop as an epiphenomenon of self-perpetuating neuromyopathy while SRF/NCPB, analgesics and neuromodulators could address only visceral nociceptive afferents (pain mediated through celiac plexus) which forms a meagre 10% of the total spinal cord afferent input. Thus, we conclude that combination of neuromyopathy and viscerosomatic convergence in PCP indicate a specific role for DN as an adjunct to SRF/NCPB in our patients.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography in CRPS: Assessment of Muscles Before and After Motor Function Recovery with Dry Needling as the Sole Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Motor impairment is an important criterion in the Clinical Diagnostic Criteria (CDC) of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type-1 (CRPS-1) as defined by International Association for Study of Pain (IASP). OBJECTIVE: To describe the changes in musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSKUSG) in CRPS-1 before and after treatment with ultrasound-guided dry needling (USGDN) in retrospective data from 44 patients. STUDY DESIGN: Patients irrespective of age, gender, or cause of CRPS were included in this retrospective data analysis; the Budapest criteria for the diagnosis of CRPS were stringently adhered to. SETTING: The analysis was done at Ashirvad Institute for Pain Management and Research with the database of CRPS patients who were treated between December 2005 and December 2014. METHODS: The CDC, range of motion at upper extremity joints, dynamometry, Disability of arm, shoulder and hand score (DASH) and ultrasonography were documented on days one, 15, and 45. MSKUSG demonstrated loss of myoarchitecture and reduced bulk. RESULTS: All 44 patients received USGDN as the sole intervention with medications and physiotherapy. MSKUSG at 15 and 45 days after starting USGDN showed a return of normalcy to the myoarchitecture and muscle bulk increase that coincided with the disappearance of CDC and a progressive and predictable improvement of the DASH scores in all the 44 patients. LIMITATION: The analysis focuses on only 2 parameters: the musculoskeletal changes of the forearm flexors and extensors on ultrasound guidance and the efficacy of the dry needling treatment. It is not a comparative study with another accepted form of treatment or intervention. We have not looked into the age and gender predilection of the condition owing to the small sample size of the study. Analysis of long term maintenance of relief and rehabilitation of the disability were limited to one year. CONCLUSION: Myofascial pathology of co-contraction appears to cause CDC of CRPS and probable ischemic loss of myoarchitecture. Relief of co-contraction with USGDN allowed resolution of tenosynovitis causing the CDC and return of normal myoarchitecture.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome-Type 1 Presenting as deQuervain's Stenosing Tenosynovitis.

AIM: To report the presentation of complex regional pain syndrome-1 (CRPS-1) as deQuervain's stenosing tenosynovitis (DQST). CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old woman presented with 3-year history of clinical diagnostic criteria (CDC) of CRPS-1. Conservative and surgical treatment for this as DQST had failed to relieve her. We diagnosed the problem as CRPS-1with CDC as inflammatory manifestations of a mechanical tendinoses of all her 5 digital tendons caused by movement of the fingers and hand tethered by agonist (flexor)/ antagonist (extensor) muscles in co-contraction. Ultrasound guided dry needling (USGDN) relaxed the muscles, replacing the abnormal agonist/antagonist co-contraction with normal agonist/antagonist coordination. Resolution of tendinoses reversed the inflammation causing the CDC. Six months later she leads normal personal and professional life, with reduction of scores of painDetect (from 21 to 5), Patient Health Questionnaire (from 13 to 4), Disability of arm, shoulder and hand from 70.8 to 25 and reversal of muscle abnormality characteristic of CRPS-1 on Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography (MSKUSG). CONCLUSION: We believe the primary pathology of CRPS-1 to be co-contraction of agonist (flexor)/antagonist(extensor) muscles of digits resulting in tendinoses akin to DQST. CDC of CRPS are actually inflammatory manifestations of tendinoses amenable to reversal by USGDN which also addresses the disability, a hallmark of CRPS.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography to Distinguish Muscle Changes in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 from Those of Neuropathic Pain: An Observational Study.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSK USG) can identify myofascial structural lesions. We describe in this retrospective report the observational findings of USG data of muscles from limbs affected with neuropathic pain in 7 patients and compare them with muscles affected with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) in 7 patients. We highlight findings that distinguish between the 2 conditions. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography of muscles in CRPS was characterized by a variable or/and global intramuscular structural disruption with loss of muscle bulk. Adjacent muscles coalesced with one another to present an uniform hyperechogenic mass of tissue. Muscle edema was found in some patients. In comparison, MSK USG in muscles affected by neuropathic pain exhibited structural normalcy, but also showed considerable reduction in muscle bulk. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography shows promise as a diagnostic modality to distinguish between these 2 conditions which presently have only clinical diagnostic criteria to aid diagnosis.

Pulsed radiofrequency of the composite nerve supply to the knee joint as a new technique for relieving osteoarthritic pain: a preliminary report.

We report a new technique for pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the entire nerve supply of the knee as an option in treating osteoarthritis (OA) of knee. We targeted both sensory and motor nerves supplying all the structures around the knee: joint, muscles, and skin to address the entire nociception and stiffness leading to peripheral and central sensitization in osteoarthritis. Ten patients with pain, stiffness, and loss of function in both knees were treated with ultrasonography (USG) guided PRF of saphenous, tibial, and common peroneal nerves along with subsartorial, peripatellar, and popliteal plexuses. USG guided PRF of the femoral nerve was also done to address the innervation of the quadriceps muscle. Assessment of pain (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS], pain DETECT, knee function [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index- WOMAC]) were documented pre and post PRF at 3 and 6 months. Knee radiographs (Kellgren-Lawrence [K-L] grading) were done before PRF and one week later. All the patients showed a sustained improvement of NRS, pain DETECT, and WOMAC at 3 and 6 months. The significant improvement of patellar position and tibio-femoral joint space was concordant with the patient's reporting of improvement in stiffness and pain. The sustained pain relief and muscle relaxation enabled the patients to optimize physiotherapy thereby improving endurance training to include the daily activities of life. We conclude that OA knee pain is a product of neuromyopathy and that PRF of the sensory and motor nerves appeared to be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique. The reduction of pain and stiffness improved the knee function and probably reduced the peripheral and central sensitization.

Treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome as a neuropathic pain condition.

A lady of 52 years with painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) presented with chronic pelvic pain, irritative voiding with sphincter dominance on urodynamics. 3 yrs of oral analgesics, antispasmodics and intravesical therapy was ineffective. We surmised her pain, and irritative voiding to be secondary to constant straining against a dysfunctional pelvic floor. We treated PBS/IC as a neuropathic phenomenon with a combination of neuromodulator medications and continuous caudal epidural analgesia to reduce the pain induced peripheral and central sensitisation. Botulinum toxin type A injection into pelvic floor muscles appeared to address their dysfuction. Clinical and urodynamics response was encouraging.

Successful management of chronic postsurgical pain following total knee replacement.

We report reversal of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) along with functional restoration after total knee replacement (TKR) in two patients, using a combination therapy that included ultrasonography-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of nerves supplying the knee to provide pain relief, along with dry needling (DN) to relax myofascial triggers/bands that caused painful stiffness and restricted movement of muscles acting across the knee. Both patients showed demonstrable pain relief, as evidenced by changes in pain as assessed on the Numeric Rating Scale (patient 1: 4-9/10 [pre-treatment] to 0-3/10 [6 months post-treatment]; patient 2: 5-9/10 to 0-4/10), Oxford Knee Score (patient 1: 17 to 40; patient 2: 12 to 39), Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs score (patient 1: 16 to 0; patient 2: 18 to 0), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score (patient 1: 17 to 2; patient 2: 20 to 2). The selection of the PRF-and-DN combination for treating post-TKR CPSP was based on a new idea that CPSP is a neuromyopathic phenomenon involving both sensory and motor neuropathy. It has evolved from our experience of 8 years. Physiotherapy worked synergistically with DN, optimizing muscle performance and pain relief.

Ultrasound appearance of forearm muscles in 18 patients with complex regional pain syndrome 1 of the upper extremity.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential diagnostic utility of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (USG) changes in complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) of the upper extremity. METHODS: With informed consent, 18 consecutive patients referred to our institution with CRPS-1 of the upper limb were examined with ultrasound scanning of both upper limbs. Qualitative comparison of the scan of the forearm muscles of the affected side with the unaffected side was made. RESULTS: The muscles affected by CRPS-1 demonstrated increased echogenecity. The outlines of the muscles were either indistinct or completely obliterated. A group of several muscles appeared like one homogenous, hyperechoic mass, with loss of normal architecture. Compared with the unaffected side, the muscle thickness on the CRPS-1 side measured by calipers on ultrasound was reduced irrespective of the duration of disability or disuse of the hand. The flexors and extensor muscles of the forearm were maximally affected. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography provides useful anatomical information, regarding structure, kinesiology, and gross pathological changes of muscle, that may prove useful in understanding the motor impairment associated with CRPS-1. USG shows promise as a cost-effective bedside tool for the diagnosis of CRPS-1 and in guiding physical therapy.

Continuous sciatic block for leg and foot surgery in 160 children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of continuous sciatic block for lower limb surgery in children. METHODS: A total of 160 pediatric patients aged 4 months to 12 years weighing 3.5-50 kg, were given continuous sciatic block plus single shot 3-in-1 block for leg and foot surgery. After general anesthesia, the sciatic nerve was located by using loss of resistance to saline by the mid-thigh approach. An 18 gauge epidural needle was introduced at the junction of the proximal two-third with the distal one-third of a line extending from the apex of popliteal triangle to the midpoint of the line joining the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity. A 20 g catheter was threaded through the needle for 5-10 cm and 0.25% bupivacaine 0.75 ml.kg(-1) was injected. A single shot 3-in-1 block was also given to facilitate the use of a tourniquet with 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 ml. In 20 patients a nerve stimulator was used in addition to loss of resistance. The intraoperative sedation comprised propofol and ketamine infusions and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen by LMA. RESULTS: Eight-two percent of patients showed no response to surgery; 14% patients showed some response to the medial incision over the ankle and needed additional bolus doses of ketamine and propofol. Block was considered to have failed in 4% who required an increase in propofol and ketamine infusions. A total of 154 patients had good postoperative pain relief for 72 h with continuous infusion of 0.05% bupivacaine. The other six were given oral codeine and diclofenac. There were no complications attributable to sciatic block in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Sciatic block with a single shot 3-in-1 block for tourniquet pain and light general anesthesia provides good intraoperative conditions for leg and foot surgery and adequate postoperative pain relief. Additional sedation to minimize the discomfort of a cast may be a consideration in the first 24 h.